New evidence emerges in Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 case against Donald Trump
2Digest
This episode focuses on the legal battle surrounding Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Jack Smith, the special counsel investigating the matter, has filed a 165-page motion seeking to indict Trump. The motion highlights Trump's efforts to pressure Mike Pence into rejecting electoral votes and the details of their conversations. The episode also discusses the implications of presidential immunity, with Professor Lawrence Tribe arguing that the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the matter has inadvertently strengthened the case against Trump. The episode features an interview with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide who played a key role in the January 6th Committee hearings. Hutchinson shares her perspective on the events leading up to the Capitol riot and Trump's actions, expressing her concerns about his character and his threat to democracy. She also discusses the impact of her testimony on her life and the challenges she has faced since speaking out. The episode concludes with Hutchinson revealing her decision to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walls in the upcoming election, explaining her reasons for supporting the Democratic ticket and her concerns about Trump's character and policies.
Outlines
Trump's Attempts to Overturn the 2020 Election
This episode examines Jack Smith's motion to indict Donald Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, focusing on Trump's efforts to pressure Mike Pence into rejecting electoral votes and the details of their conversations.
Presidential Immunity and its Implications
The episode discusses the implications of presidential immunity, with Professor Lawrence Tribe arguing that the Supreme Court's recent ruling on the matter has inadvertently strengthened the case against Trump.
Cassidy Hutchinson's Testimony and Perspective
The episode features an interview with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide who played a key role in the January 6th Committee hearings. Hutchinson shares her perspective on the events leading up to the Capitol riot and Trump's actions, expressing her concerns about his character and his threat to democracy.
Hutchinson's Life After Testimony and Voting Decision
Hutchinson discusses the impact of her testimony on her life and the challenges she has faced since speaking out. She also reveals her decision to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walls in the upcoming election, explaining her reasons for supporting the Democratic ticket and her concerns about Trump's character and policies.
The Importance of Truth-Telling and Upholding Democracy
The episode highlights the importance of truth-telling and the dangers of silencing witnesses, contrasting Mike Pence's refusal to testify to the January 6th Committee with Cassie Hutchinson's willingness to speak out.
Chris Hayes's Podcast "Wise is Happening"
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Keywords
Presidential Immunity
A legal doctrine that protects the president from certain legal actions while in office. It is based on the principle of separation of powers and the need for the president to effectively carry out his duties.
January 6th Committee
A congressional committee formed to investigate the January 6th, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. The committee has held public hearings and issued a report detailing its findings on the attack and the events leading up to it.
Jack Smith
The special counsel appointed to investigate Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Smith is a former federal prosecutor with a reputation for integrity and experience in complex investigations.
Electoral College
A system used in the United States to elect the president. Each state is assigned a number of electors based on its population, and the candidate who wins the majority of electors in a state wins that state's electoral votes.
Mike Pence
The former vice president of the United States under Donald Trump. Pence played a key role in the certification of the 2020 election results, refusing to overturn the results despite pressure from Trump.
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States. Trump has been accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and has faced multiple legal challenges related to his actions.
Conspiracy
A secret plan by two or more people to commit an illegal act. In the context of the Trump investigation, the term refers to Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the election results through illegal means.
Election Interference
Any attempt to influence the outcome of an election through illegal or unethical means. This can include voter suppression, hacking, or spreading misinformation.
Cassidy Hutchinson
A former White House aide who testified before the January 6th Committee. Hutchinson provided key insights into the events leading up to the Capitol riot and Trump's actions.
Q&A
What is the main focus of Jack Smith's 165-page motion?
The motion seeks to indict Donald Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, specifically focusing on his efforts to pressure Mike Pence into rejecting electoral votes.
What is the significance of Mike Pence's testimony in this case?
Pence's testimony provides direct evidence of Trump's intent to disrupt the certification of the election results and his efforts to pressure Pence into committing a crime.
How does Professor Lawrence Tribe interpret the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity?
Tribe argues that the Supreme Court's decision has inadvertently strengthened the case against Trump by narrowing the scope of immunity, leaving more of his actions open to prosecution.
What is Cassie Hutchinson's perspective on the events of January 6th and Trump's actions?
Hutchinson believes that Trump is a dangerous individual who poses a threat to democracy. She expresses hope that the truth will prevail and that Trump will be held accountable for his actions.
Why is Cassie Hutchinson voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walls?
Hutchinson believes that the character of our leaders is important and that Trump cannot be trusted to uphold the rule of law. She supports Harris and Walls because they represent a different vision for the future of the country.
Show Notes
Tonight on The Last Word: A new DOJ filing argues Trump’s election schemes are not official acts. Plus, Cassidy Hutchinson joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss new developments in the Trump Jan. 6 case. Andrew Weissmann, Tim Heaphy, and Laurence Tribe also join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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